Network Management Abstraction via Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network management systems are unable to configure multiple network elements with disparate management interfaces or those using protocols incompatible with the system, leading to inefficiencies in network management and operation.

Innovation Solution

A network management system that employs a configuration file to convert logical commands into native commands for various network elements, regardless of their management interface or protocol, allowing for unified management across different network elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a network management system uses a single management interface and protocol, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot configure network elements with disparate management interfaces or incompatible protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to manage diverse network elementsVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a configuration file as an intermediary component that translates between a standardized management interface and diverse network element-specific protocols. The configuration file contains protocol-specific syntax definitions, command mappings, and translation rules that enable the system to communicate with different network elements without modifying the core management software, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the protocol translation functionality into separate, modular configuration files for each network element type. Each configuration file independently defines the syntax, commands, and translation rules for a specific protocol, allowing the system to manage diverse network elements through a unified interface while maintaining simple, organized, and easily maintainable configuration structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the network management system is customized for each specific network element protocol, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but the system requires multiple versions and modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsystem deployment and maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal network management system that can handle multiple protocols through a single standardized interface. The configuration file acts as a multi-functional translation layer that adapts the same core management software to work with different network element protocols, eliminating the need for multiple customized system versions and simplifying deployment and maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the management system dynamically based on the configuration file contents. By loading different configuration files with protocol-specific parameters, command mappings, and syntax definitions, the system adapts its behavior to match the required protocol without requiring structural modifications, thus maintaining ease of deployment while achieving protocol compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple configuration files are used to support different network elements, then protocol diversity is accommodated, but configuration and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple network element typesVSAvoidconfiguration file management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments configuration data into separate, dedicated files for each network element type or protocol. This segmentation isolates protocol-specific complexity into manageable units, making each configuration file focused and simple while collectively supporting diverse network elements. The modular structure allows administrators to manage and troubleshoot individual protocol configurations independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration files to be copied and reused across multiple network elements of the same type. Once a configuration file is created for a specific protocol, it can be replicated and applied to numerous network elements using that protocol, significantly reducing the effort required to configure and maintain large numbers of similar devices while still supporting protocol diversity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8218570B2Network element abstraction within a network management system

Publication Date: 2012.07.10 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Preferred embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods to receive a logical command associated with a network management system to be executed on a network element, convert the logical command into a physical command associated with the network element, communicate the physical command to the network element.